Today’s gospel reading is a sad account. Jesus preached and taught, but for the most part his words were not received, he did not perform healings, exorcisms, he was not able to bring those who knew him best into a deeper communion with his Father. The whole reason that he came was to bring light to a world suffering in darkness, and those closest to him refused the invitation such that: “he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mk 6:6).

Is our world today becoming more and more like Jesus’ “native place”? Where many of us expend more energy on cynicism, taking care of number one, and an uncritical acceptance of empiricism or scientism. Again, a sad state because science is an awesome gift. Science and faith come from the same source, our intrinsic ability to embrace wonder! These two are not incompatible. Authentic faith seeks understanding. Questioning and a searching mind are the ingredients for a faith alive, relevant, and vibrant. This is true for good science as well!

One without the other leads to a more limited understanding of the vast expanse of creation. Scientism is limiting the very gift of science itself because it stops when the questions get really interesting, when the exploration goes beyond the measurable, the sensate experiences as we know them. An embrace of mathematics, the sciences, philosophy, theology, the arts, sports, relationships, food, and recreation all help us to better understand and experience who we are called to be: the glory of God, which is the human being fully alive!

May we resist giving into limitation, minimalism, cynicism, and hardening of our hearts, and instead take some time today to enter into and embrace again the gift of wonder! If your efforts fall short, or you could use some extra wonder, look up tonight at the Blue Moon!

Photo: Almost super moon last night, January 30, 2018. Blue, Super Moon tomorrow night 😉

Link for the Mass reading for Wednesday, January 31, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/013118.cfm